Comparison with Sony NEX-5: What do current owners of the G2 think of the advance reviews of the Sony camera?
10127
I got my G2 last week and have been enjoying it very much. Before purchasing G2, I was thinking of Gf1. But, after thinking about several months (yes, months), I finally understand the appearance of small camera body is deceiving. The quality, the size and the cost of the lens dictate the buying decision for those who want to take good pictures. After that, the usablity of the camera is more important than the size of the camera body. If Sony Nex-5 has a small-size high-quality lens, I might consider it. But, from the professional review, it seems to me that the manual control is strongly discouraged. It appears to many people that Sony Nex-5 is targeting P&S crowd who wants a better camera. The market size is bigger. So, it seems to be a smart move. After all, making money is more important than making cameras. But, the topics of this discussion is the comparison between G2 and Nex-5. I think it is more appropriate to compare Gf1 and Nex-5. Those who buy G2 are those who consider the usability more important than size. For these people, Nex-5 is not favorable. Between Gf1 and Nex-5, I think I would still prefer Gf1 with the pancake lens over Nex-5. This is because Nex-5's manual control is not readily reachable. If it is mostly used as a P&S camera, it is way too expensive and too big. The only advantage to have a large sensor and a large lens in a P&s camera is to take pictures in low light condition. For these type of users, the size of the lens on nex-5 would not be appealing at all. So, who are the buyers Nex-5 is really targeting? We will have to wait and see.
1874389
Hi Yadid: I can't speak about other dSLRs, but I have to say that I really enjoy the tilting screen on the A300/A350. I didn't expect to use it very often, but I have found myself using it as a waist level viewfinder quite often. The fact that Sony's design, which uses a secondary sensor, allows you to focus while in the live-view mode puts it head and shoulders above the competition in my opinion. Most of the competing live-view technologies have to autofocus after the mirror flips up, so the Sony system is quicker to use. I never owned the A2, but I owned the Dimage 5 and 7 predecessors, which used many of the same components, including the lens. Either the A300 or A350 will offer quicker performance and better low-light capabilities. Image quality will depend on lens choice. The Minolta GT lens on the A2 was an excellent performer, so you will need to carefully evaluate which lenses you choose. Some people slam Sony for not offering as much in the way of lenses, but what they do offer is generally very good. In addition, you can choose from almost all the Minolta AF lenses. Some of these are mediocre, but Minolta also offered some truly excellent optics, as you know from your A2. Try http://www.mhohner.de/sony-minolta or http://www.dyxum.com for some in depth information on A-mount lenses available from Sony and Minolta. As far as a higher-end camera, you didn't say what you were hoping to do with your images. The A700 is a suburb instrument, and it offers many features not available on the A300 or A350. It costs quite a bit more however. Unless you need some of the things the A700 offers, (faster continuous shooting, higher-resolution LCD, PC Sync port, tethered-shooting, etc.) you might be better off buying the A300 or A350 and spending more on high quality lenses. Good luck, I hope this is helpful. --Tom Bonner
664956
I don't know the newer model, but the current one is good enough. However, I've sold all my Canon cameras and most of the lens, and switch to Sony Nex system. Just bought the Sony a6000. Its very good. Focus super fast, nothing less than 7D. Just my thought. Good luck with your choice.
1442810
I agree with Pishkado, the specs on this camera are everything I have been looking for and more. However, the P80 has not received rave reviews and this may be pushing the pixel-count envelope even more. I have had 3 DSLR's (Canon 10D, 20D, and 30D) and the IQ has been outstanding...but the cost of the bodies and lenses plus the "lug factor" is more than I want to endure now. The superzoom that has my eye right now is the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28K and I almost pulled the trigger on it when I saw the P90 announcement. I will also wait for the reviews and if they are disappointing, the Lumix will be my choice. I agree with Pishkado, the specs on this camera are everything I have been looking for and more. However, the P80 has not received rave reviews and this may be pushing the pixel-count envelope even more. I have had 3 DSLR's (Canon 10D, 20D, and 30D) and the IQ has been outstanding...but the cost of the bodies and lenses plus the "lug factor" is more than I want to endure now. The superzoom that has my eye right now is the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28K and I almost pulled the trigger on it when I saw the P90 announcement. I will also wait for the reviews and if they are disappointing,... » Read More I agree with Pishkado, the specs on this camera are everything I have been looking for and more. However, the P80 has not received rave reviews and this may be pushing the pixel-count envelope even more. I have had 3 DSLR's (Canon 10D, 20D, and 30D) and the IQ has been outstanding...but the cost of the bodies and lenses plus the "lug factor" is more than I want to endure now. The superzoom that has my eye right now is the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28K and I almost pulled the trigger on it when I saw the P90 announcement. I will also wait for the reviews and if they are disappointing, the Lumix will be my choice. « Show Less
1374173
I just parallel tested my beloved G9 vs. my new G10 using a tripod; same subject, lighting, settings, modes, at ISO 80, 200, and 400. The 10 renders noticeably crisper and cleaner pics than my 9. Also, my G9 consistently produced images that were 10 to 15% on the dark side. The 10's exposures are spot on. I no longer have to jiggle with in-camera exposure comp for each image or take each one to Photoshop for correction. And I like the G10's much improved LCD, the wider angle lens, and better grip. I think you'd like the 10. I couldn't be happier with my purchase.
1451079
I did not compare the two, but I do have experience briefly using the NEX 3n. Autofocus for stills is much much faster with the A58 due to the dedicated Phase Detection autofocus system vs the NEX-3n's Contrast Detection system. However, though slower, the Contrast Detection system is generally more accurate than a Phase detection system. Sony cameras have pretty accurate autofocus systems in general, so you are really splitting hairs when it comes to accuracy. If you are shooting stills mostly, I wouldn't worry about the difference. If you are shooting moving animals, kids, or sports, then difference is really noticeable. As for as video quality, I haven't done any extensive comparison. The video is really good in both cameras, and excellent compared to most cameras in their respective categories, but both have some limitations due to the marketing decisions made by Sony that my frustrate the very seasoned videographer. One significant difference between the two is the translucent mirror tech in the A58. It has some aperture restrictions which the NEX series does not have. With the A58, you will not be able to use apertures larger than F3.5. That is, if you are using a 50mm F1.8 lens, you will only be able to shoot video at F3.5 or smaller (e.g. F3.5-f8.0). That means that the NEX will be able to shoot in lower light with better quality because it can shoot video with a larger aperture (small F stop number e.g. F1.8) with the same lens specification lens. These are both great cameras. My recommendation is that if you are looking for portability and compactness, then the NEX-3n is the way to go. If having a viewfinder, more direct controls, or having a DLSR type shooting experience is more up your alley, then you can't go wrong with the A58. I hope this answers your questions.
1839762
I purchased LX-3 back in March 2009 and paid less than current price. I was sold on abundant glorious reviews. I take lots of macro shots with manual control. I was expecting superior performance to my old Canon G6. To my surprise, Canon G6's image was superior to LX3. I sold LX3 on eBay with BIN and my loss was minimal because I sold LX3 when all online dealers didn't have the LX3 in stock.I am eagerly waiting for G11, sure it is bigger than LX3, but G series cameras feel solid and secure. Also LX3's annoying lens cab is a shortcoming.
525706
Great! Thanks for replying and letting me know. Enjoying your G2? I just got mine this weekend and love it. Turned around and dropped another $700 on lenses and filters; nothing I already had would fit.
568654
Very bad in my experience with it. It's a good camera outdoors, especially on sunny days. Indoors, the combo of the long zoom and small sensor make for dark pics and/or blurry pics. Almost all cameras are trade-offs. This one's trade0offs were not for me. The FZ150 is a much better camera and the FZ200 is probably better yet. The FZ200 is expensive, so not a truly fail comparison. It is also bigger.The best compact in the world right now (my belief and that of many others) has a 3 -4 x zoom and a 1" sensor and costs $650 --- the Sony RX100. It's the same size as the ZS15 or maybe even a bit smaller. I wish it were cheaper !!! :-). Very bad in my experience with it. It's a good camera outdoors, especially on sunny days. Indoors, the combo of the long zoom and small sensor make for dark pics and/or blurry pics. Almost all cameras are trade-offs. This one's trade0offs were not for me. The FZ150 is a much better camera and the FZ200 is probably better yet. The FZ200 is expensive, so not a truly fail comparison. It is also bigger.The best compact in the world right now (my belief and that of many others) has a 3 -4 x zoom and a 1" sensor and costs $650 --- the Sony RX100. It's the same size as the ZS15 or... » Read More Very bad in my experience with it. It's a good camera outdoors, especially on sunny days. Indoors, the combo of the long zoom and small sensor make for dark pics and/or blurry pics. Almost all cameras are trade-offs. This one's trade0offs were not for me. The FZ150 is a much better camera and the FZ200 is probably better yet. The FZ200 is expensive, so not a truly fail comparison. It is also bigger.The best compact in the world right now (my belief and that of many others) has a 3 -4 x zoom and a 1" sensor and costs $650 --- the Sony RX100. It's the same size as the ZS15 or maybe even a bit smaller. I wish it were cheaper !!! :-). « Show Less
440168
I haven't used a G9 etc but have it's baby brother the 12Mp AS650 IS.The sensor is apparently the same but it overexposes the highlights and is too slow to autofocus and shoot. BUT love the twisty screen. It is so useful for high/low shots. That is what will sell me on the G11. I love the idea of the panorama on the Sony HX1 but apparently the image quality on the panorama is not great and the camera is bulky. If you have handled a G10 you will see just how easy and accessible the controls are. Totally right for an SLR user. The G11 will have better image quality than the G10 due to reduced Mp count and upgraded tech. Hopefully the G12 will have HD video and everyone will be happy. I haven't used a G9 etc but have it's baby brother the 12Mp AS650 IS.The sensor is apparently the same but it overexposes the highlights and is too slow to autofocus and shoot. BUT love the twisty screen. It is so useful for high/low shots. That is what will sell me on the G11. I love the idea of the panorama on the Sony HX1 but apparently the image quality on the panorama is not great and the camera is bulky. If you have handled a G10 you will see just how easy and accessible the controls are. Totally right for an SLR user. The G11 will have better image quality than the G10 due to... » Read More I haven't used a G9 etc but have it's baby brother the 12Mp AS650 IS.The sensor is apparently the same but it overexposes the highlights and is too slow to autofocus and shoot. BUT love the twisty screen. It is so useful for high/low shots. That is what will sell me on the G11. I love the idea of the panorama on the Sony HX1 but apparently the image quality on the panorama is not great and the camera is bulky. If you have handled a G10 you will see just how easy and accessible the controls are. Totally right for an SLR user. The G11 will have better image quality than the G10 due to reduced Mp count and upgraded tech. Hopefully the G12 will have HD video and everyone will be happy. « Show Less
727216
I am strongly looking at the Nex c3 myself. It has a new sensor, less heat (better low light) more shots out of the same battery. Lots more good stuff here... http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/News/DxOMark-news/DxOMark-Sony-NEX-C3-Review-a-great-sensor-in-tiny-a-camera I do think they will upgrade the Nex 5 also though. I have also heard talk of a Nex 7, don't know what your budget is but it really looks like a beast, 24mp and an oled screen. It is way out of my current budget though.
1078009
The G5 does surprisingly well in low light! I am a bit amazed at the pictures I can take with street lights as the only illumination. There is sensor noise; somewhat more than with my Nikon D600, about the same as my Nikon D7000. Noise elimination post-processing cleans it up fairly nicely.On the other hand, consider that most Micro 4/3 lenses are fairly slow. So unless you get one of the fast lenses, you'll be using the "low-light" capabilities more than you would if you had a camera with an fast lens. The lens based anti-shake system works OK, but it's not as effective as some costlier systems, so a tripod is a must for "available dark" shooting. The G5 does surprisingly well in low light! I am a bit amazed at the pictures I can take with street lights as the only illumination. There is sensor noise; somewhat more than with my Nikon D600, about the same as my Nikon D7000. Noise elimination post-processing cleans it up fairly nicely.On the other hand, consider that most Micro 4/3 lenses are fairly slow. So unless you get one of the fast lenses, you'll be using the "low-light" capabilities more than you would if you had a camera with an fast lens. The lens based anti-shake system works OK, but it's not as... » Read More The G5 does surprisingly well in low light! I am a bit amazed at the pictures I can take with street lights as the only illumination. There is sensor noise; somewhat more than with my Nikon D600, about the same as my Nikon D7000. Noise elimination post-processing cleans it up fairly nicely.On the other hand, consider that most Micro 4/3 lenses are fairly slow. So unless you get one of the fast lenses, you'll be using the "low-light" capabilities more than you would if you had a camera with an fast lens. The lens based anti-shake system works OK, but it's not as effective as some costlier systems, so a tripod is a must for "available dark" shooting. « Show Less
1586491
As mr. Cassatt already said, not really point and shoot, all three of them. They share the same sensor and all offer outstanding image quality. If you intend to go more into photography, they are all good choices, if all you want is point and shoot look elsewhere, sony nex then might be a better sytem
1392152
hey Lisa. I just pre-ordered this camera, as the specs are too awesome to resist, and Amazon's return policy is stellar, so no worries. Then I found an actual user review of the camera, believe it or not, which says to me that it should be out soon. Here's the link, and drool to your heart's content: http://www.myfinepix.co.uk/showcase/review/finepix-hs20exr/hands-on-a-fuji-hs20Notice no purple fringing anywhere to be found, at least as far as I could tell, which is a VERY impressive feat for a camera with this kind of zoom. Also, the High Dynamic Range option seems stellar, as well as the Pro Focus Mode. Check out the review. It made me feel very good about my early purchase. Now I can't wait to get the camera! hey Lisa. I just pre-ordered this camera, as the specs are too awesome to resist, and Amazon's return policy is stellar, so no worries. Then I found an actual user review of the camera, believe it or not, which says to me that it should be out soon. Here's the link, and drool to your heart's content: http://www.myfinepix.co.uk/showcase/review/finepix-hs20exr/hands-on-a-fuji-hs20Notice no purple fringing anywhere to be found, at least as far as I could tell, which is a VERY impressive feat for a camera with this kind of zoom. Also, the High Dynamic Range option seems... » Read More hey Lisa. I just pre-ordered this camera, as the specs are too awesome to resist, and Amazon's return policy is stellar, so no worries. Then I found an actual user review of the camera, believe it or not, which says to me that it should be out soon. Here's the link, and drool to your heart's content: http://www.myfinepix.co.uk/showcase/review/finepix-hs20exr/hands-on-a-fuji-hs20Notice no purple fringing anywhere to be found, at least as far as I could tell, which is a VERY impressive feat for a camera with this kind of zoom. Also, the High Dynamic Range option seems stellar, as well as the Pro Focus Mode. Check out the review. It made me feel very good about my early purchase. Now I can't wait to get the camera! « Show Less
132645
I have the sony and love it. I particularly like the fantastic panoramic feature - I dont see a reference to that on the panasonic description here. I have had the Olympus variants of the waterproof cameras in the past and they were quite good. Have not taken the sony into the water yet - I assume it will be trouble free (as the olympus cameras have been in the past). The picture quality on the sony is a step up from my past cameras. Having not tried the Panasonic yet, I recommend the sony.
1117274
Yes. Is worthy. I had the 1 before. The ver 2 new one has better quality, wider lens and the cell phone app is much better.
1217147
Not everyone is interested in trying to use their point and shoot camera as a camcorder, and 2.5 vs 2.8 gimme a break. And I don't know if you've been paying attention to the economy but not everyone has the luxury of paying 600-700 dollars on a camera. Less capable eh? I guess that's one of the reason alot people who own rebels and some of the other slr's use s5 is and g9 as a backup. The camera is only as good as its user.